Oh no, Valentine's Day is nigh... That may sound cynical but let me explain.
Now, I love the tradition of secret admirers or taking the brave step of asking someone to be your Valentine. The 14th of February should be a day when you're given the push to approach someone you fancy, sending out a little card either anonymously or with a bold profession and, in the case of the vintage cards below, with a silly little pun to make it seem lighthearted, but with the secret hope that your affection will be returned...
Now, I love the tradition of secret admirers or taking the brave step of asking someone to be your Valentine. The 14th of February should be a day when you're given the push to approach someone you fancy, sending out a little card either anonymously or with a bold profession and, in the case of the vintage cards below, with a silly little pun to make it seem lighthearted, but with the secret hope that your affection will be returned...
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What I don't like is the way it's been turned into a day for people already in couples, a scheduled day of the year in which boyfriends are expected to follow a formula - buy flowers for their girlfriends, arrange dinner for two, etc, etc. How unromantic to be sat amongst a hoard of couples at a restaurant, with a set menu for expediency and a set two-hour slot so the next couple can fill your warm seats, maximising the profits for the evening (I've worked in a restaurant on Valentine's Day, I know the deal).
It shouldn't be like this! It should be a day for hopeful singles, for sweet surprises, for nervous confessions, for butterflies in stomachs and (for the lucky ones) for first kisses.
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One year, the Cat confessed to me that he considered buying me flowers for Valentine's Day before he remembered my vehement opinions on the matter. He opted not to and I commended him on his decision. "Buy me flowers on some random, unexpected day of the year instead," I told him. "That would be romantic."
So join me in my protest! Help to reclaim Valentine's Day and to reclaim romance! If you're in a happy couple, don't buy your boyfriend or girlfriend a Valentine's Day present - surprise them randomly with a special treat on the 9th of February instead (or any other day you choose). I'm sure you'll get a bigger smile. And if you're single, send a card to someone who's captured your fancy - try to work up the courage to sign it with your name but if not, sign it with the immortal, wonderful words: "Your secret admirer."
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I love that song! ^..^ My fella and I are climbing a mountain on valentines day :) Only really because we have the time off together and why not spend a day climbing up a big old hill?! I love that, comb-ination hardy hardy haa! x
ReplyDeleteI like your hill-climbing plan. If you're going to do Valentine's Day, that doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. At least you're escaping the commercial aspect of what it's become! Hope you have a lovely time on your hill. Happy Valentine's Day, sweet girl!
DeleteZoe that sounds so perfect, you guys are living the dream. Miss Marie, I am with you sister, I think it's sad that valentines day has turned into a day that most people dread because they are either single, and don't wan't to feel lonely or because they are in a couple and have no money/ don't want the pressure of having to arrange something 'romantic' to do.
DeleteI'm trying to arrange for us to go and see Baz Luhrman's Romeo and Juliet in a Chapel. I would quiet happily do this on any day of the year but unfortunatley it is only happening on Valentines day. So I imagine we will be surrunded by lot's of other couples and it'll probably be a little awkward, but ROMEO and JULIET in a CHAPEL, don't want to miss that oppourtunity. ;)
Glad I'm not the only one who is saddened by what Valentine's Day has become. It should be a lovely holiday, promoting love for all, but like so many things it's become a bit of a nightmare...
ReplyDeleteBut Romeo and Juliet in a chapel sounds pretty fabulous, I must say! Hope it all works out nicely x
I completely agree, Miss Marie. Very well put too. I heard recently that in medieval times it was dodgy cos you were someone's Valentine for a day or til the next year only! Not a commitment to the "love of my life". Couples have anniversaries to celebrate their togetherness. I agree that Romeo and Juliet in a chapel is a great setting. Like the perfectness of The Railway Children at Waterloo Station. Cute that you said it'll probably be a little awkward, Kelly-Marie. I wonder what hill you're climbing, Circus Girl. Glastonbury Tor (such history!)? Primrose Hill if you're a Blur fan!
ReplyDeleteHmm, no, that's true, not exactly a commitment to the love of your life in medieval times... But, hey, so long as you weren't forced to relinquish your Valentine afterwards then I guess it's just like the American idea of dating, from what I understand of it? Casual, see if you like someone, but no pressure to commit!
DeleteAt last! My browser has been refusing to let me comment, I think I have finally fixed it!...Anyway I just want to say how much I agree with you on this I am so glad I'm not alone!
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Thanks Wendy! Glad you managed to break down the browser barriers to add your agreement! Just in time, before the day itself too.
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